Thursday 1 January 2009

Happy New Year 2009

A flower of hope for New Year
Well the day has dawned, with new hopes and fears along with it. We had a New Years Day dinner at lunch time, the only time of year we go to the extravagance of rib of beef with James Martin's truly unbeatable Yorkshire puddings, gravy, Nigella's roast potatoes, stuffing and vegetables. It's a fabulous feast, all the more special because it's a once-a-year occasion. Of course we couldn't have a celebration meal without a pudding now could we?! No so this year, although my main course is the same year in year out, the pudding can change. I chose a pavlova this year, Rachel Allen's pavlova with mango and crystalized ginger which I added some pomegranate seeds to. The recipe is from Rachel's Food For Living, and it's not like any pav recipe I've tried before, basically it's a measure and beat job, all in one. The recipe in the book is a dry in the oven for a few hours thing, but I have a fan oven(which doesn't allow for a slow cool down in the oven), and fortunately Rachel says how to cook it in one! It works and it's really lovely. My changes to the recipe are adding pomegranate seeds, Greek yoghurt and brown sugar to the cream.

All that remains for me is to say Happy New Year friends and readers, I hope it's a good one for you all.
With the ginger scattered over
Pavlova with Mango and Crystalised Ginger
Adapted slightly from Rachel's Food For Living by Rachel Allen
Pavlova:
3 egg whites
350g caster sugar
60ml hot water
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cornflour
Topping:
10fl oz double cream
2 tablespoons light soft brown sugar
10fl oz Greek yoghurt
2 mangoes, peeled and sliced
some pomegranate seeds
few pieces crystalized ginger chopped
(1)Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Preheat oven to 140oC. (This is for a fan oven).
(2)Place all the pavlova ingredients in a mixer bowl and beat with the whisk attachment for 4-5 minutes until really thick and glossy.
(3)Pile the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and make into a disc about 12 inches in diameter by 1 ½ inches thick. Bake for 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours.
(4)When the pavlova is completely cold carefully peel off the lining paper and beat the cream with the sugar until in soft peaks, fold in the yoghurt. Fill the pavlova with this mixture then decorate with the fruit, scatter

18 comments:

Big Boys Oven said...

so lovely and beautiful, Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely pavlova! Happy 2009!

natalia said...

Your pavlova is really a beauty !

Peabody said...

Very pretty.

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

Happy New Year. Hope 2009 is full of love and good times for you and the family.

Beautiful pavlova!

KJ said...

It's an unusual recipe, especially with the hot water. It's great that it all came together. That is a perfect pavlova.

Anna's kitchen table said...

Happy new year KJ!
Your pav is beautiful.
xx

Oh my! Apple pie! said...

Your pav is fabulous!!!!
Happy new year.

Nora B. said...

Hi Kelly-Jane,

Happy new Year! Your pav looks fab! I have to try this version, thanks for the recipe. I also like the addition of greek yogurt to the cream. I made Nigella's choc pav for Xmas this year.

Hope that start of 2009 has been great so far.

nora

Susan said...

A pavlova, and with candied ginger, no less! A lovely crunchy cloud, Kelly-Jane.

Happy New Year!

Maggie said...

Happy New Year!
The pavlova looks beautiful and I love the addition of using ginger. I too use Greek Yoghurt as a filling.

Deborah said...

What a beautiful pavlova! I wish you all the best in 2009!!

thecelticcookinshanghai said...

Love pavlova and this one looks wonderful. Wshing you a happy and peaceful 2009.

Cynthia said...

Happy New Year!

Sandy said...

Happy 2009 Kelly-Jane!
Beautiful Pavlova, by the way.

Maria♥ said...

Happy belated New Year!!

What a beautiful and delicious Pavlova.

Maria
x

Anonymous said...

The pavlova looks so beautiful, I like the bright colorful flower! It reminds me of the sunshine I miss so much! :)

manila homes said...

Its summer here already and still i love your dishes..